Don’t Try Your Luck With Drinking and Driving This St. Patrick’s Day

With shamrocks and green-tinted beer right around the corner, it’s a fine time to talk about the fact that St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most popular drinking holidays around the country. In fact, this holiday ranks fourth on the list of the biggest drinking days nationwide, right behind New Year’s Eve, Christmas and the Fourth of July. Unfortunately, all of that alcohol consumption has resulted in sobering statistics. Alcohol-related crashes claim a life on St. Patrick’s Day every 72 minutes. Additionally, 75 percent of drivers who are involved in fatal crashes on St. Patrick’s Day are more than two times over the legal consumption limit.

Why is Driving While Impaired So Dangerous?

Drinking and driving is a risky behavior that can be dangerous for both the person who chooses to get behind the wheel in an impaired state and others on the road. The implications of this behavior can be serious because significant alcohol use causes symptoms such as impaired judgment, poor coordination, reduced muscle control, and slowed thinking. All of these symptoms impact a driver’s ability to react appropriately to changing road conditions. Because this behavior can be so dangerous, you should understand the signs to lookout for that can alert you and to the fact that a driver is intoxicated before you are close enough for that person to become a danger to you.

What Are Signs to Look for that Suggest Another Driver Is Intoxicated?

In addition to St. Patrick’s Day and other holidays, you should keep in mind that drunk drivers are often out and about on weekends and at night. They also typically exhibit these signs:

• Failing to turn headlights on
• Swerving in and out of lanes
• Almost hitting objects on and beside the road
• Abruptly and frequently hitting brakes
• Speeding or driving under the speed limit
• Periods of rapid acceleration and deceleration
• Driving on the wrong side of the road

Always try to put as much space as possible between your vehicle and someone else’s if you suspect that the driver is intoxicated. Make a mental note of the color, make, model, and license plate of the vehicle if possible, and call 9-1-1 to report the vehicle to authorities as soon as you can do so safely.

What Should You Do if You Plan on Drinking This St. Patrick’s Day?

Many Americans indulge from time to time, but it is important to do so responsibly. If you are planning on drinking:

• Choose a designated driver in advance;
• Use public transportation; or
• Catch a ride through a ride-sharing app.

Regardless of the alternate mode of transportation you choose, never drink and drive.

Have You Been Injured in a Crash Involving a Driver Who Was Intoxicated?

If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident where the other driver was intoxicated, the West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm can help. We are experienced in helping accident victims like you recover the compensation that you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Ocala, Bradenton, Miami, Tampa, Fort Myers, Jacksonville and Daytona Beach areas.

Resources:

cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html

abc7ny.com/1805506/

https://www.pendaslaw.com/is-a-grocery-store-liable-for-a-customers-injury/